Mayoral Column – Creating more vibrant, welcoming spaces

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Penrith City Council celebrates the beauty of Penrith and we continue to improve our public spaces in ways that uplift and complement the natural environment.

You will often see Council staff cleaning our local streets, mowing lawns, planting trees and enhancing gardens in the community. This maintenance ensures that our neighbourhoods offer welcoming spaces where people can connect and enjoy being outside.

We build on this through other intentional projects like the 3 new murals delivered across the City this year – bringing together colour, creativity and community.

I am especially proud of the recently completed piece that brightens and is sparking conversations in the youth area at Gipps Street Recreation Precinct in Claremont Meadows.

During a site visit in 2024, I saw this bare wall which stood out as a blank canvas. Council engaged the people who matter most – our residents – to deliver something special.

Together with Council, talented artists Daniel Walton and Scott Nagy ran art and design workshops with young people, who use and love the precinct, for inspiration. The 11m wall now shows a striking design.

Thank you to those who shared their ideas at our workshops and online. Learn more about the project at yoursaypenrith.com.au/youth-mural.

We know that our growing community wants more vibrant spaces and we continue to bring your feedback to life across the City.

In St Marys, there’s a new mural by artist Janne Birkner at the corner of East Lane and Station Street that features native species, celebrating harmony between people and the natural environment and respect for Country.

At Jamison Park, a water tank is now a standout feature with abstract art representing the site on a sunny day. It was delivered by local artist Michael Black in collaboration with young people from Penrith PCYC. This piece was funded through Council’s Local Creativity Grant.

Next month, applications open for our successful Magnetic Places Grants that encourage creativity, as well as other grants in our community funding program. Find out more at penrith.city/magneticplaces and penrith.city/grants.

Cr Todd Carney

Mayor of Penrith

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 24 June 2026.